Hampton Roads Disabilities Board (HRDB)

Overview

The HRPDC provides staff support to the Hampton Roads Disabilities Board, which currently represents the cities of Portsmouth, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk. The Hampton Roads Disabilities Board (HRDB) is a continuation of the regional DBs created by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) in 1992. It was created in 2009 with the support of all of the cities and the decision of the Board Members after all funding was eliminated.

In 1992, the General Assembly mandated the development of Disability Services Boards (DSBs) to assist localities in identifying and addressing the needs of persons with physical and sensory disabilities in their communities. In 2009 funding was cut for staff support but our regional Cities decided to continue this important collaborative effort and thereby re-appointed representatives, who decided to continue their work as would be possible. HRDB started adding to their charge people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities. All people living within the five regions are now represented and will be served.

Mission

The HRDB is the connector between the disabled community and local government, the business community, the faith community and the general public by raising awareness and exchanging information.

Meetings

The HRDB generally meets every month at the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) Regional Office, 723 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA. The meetings are open to the public.

• 1 pm
• 2nd Friday of every month
• Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) Regional Office
  723 Woodlake Drive
  Chesapeake, VA 23320

Citizen input on disability issues is always welcomed. Advance notice of intent to attend is requested. Please email Shernita Bethea, HRPDC at sbethea@hrpdcva.gov .

Agendas and Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas & Minutes

Members

• Veronica (Pat) Burns (Representing Portsmouth)
• Tiffany Griffin (Representing City of Chesapeake) Staff - Secretary
• Shery Williams  (Representing City of Chesapeake)
• Shernita Bethea (HRPDC- Staff Support) - Acting Chair
• Paul Atkinson, Jr. – Eggleston (Representing City of Norfolk)
• Latoria L. Harrell - (Representing City of Suffolk) Staff
• Frederick Whittington - (Representing City of Portsmouth) Consumer

Each regional local government appoints Board Members. Membership must include at least one local official from each of the participating jurisdictions, two representatives of the business community, and persons with physical and sensory disabilities or their family members. Each Board must have no less than thirty- percent representation by persons with physical, visual, or hearing disabilities or their family members.